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Iberian Lynx

Habitat

Iberian Lynx's are found only in southern Spain. These cats have very large territories.

Description and Diet

This Lynx is much smaller then its other Lynx cousins,in fact half the size of the Eurasian Lynx. This means it is too small to bring down Roe Deer. Rabbits make up most of their diet but when a carcass of a dead Roe Deer is found they sometimes will eat it.

Importance

By protecting Iberian Lynx habitat this is protecting other endangered animals habitat like the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Black Vulture.

Threats

The Iberian Lynx is the world's most endangered cat, with just over 100 clinging to existence. They are classified as critically endangered. This cat has many threats such as habitat destruction. Their habitat has been getting destroyed for centuries but is getting worse today and a lot of the destruction is illegal but still happens. Another threat is a virus that wiped out a lot of rabbits in the mid 20th century. But another virus came in later! In the past many Iberian Lynx have got run over by vehicles. Unfortunately these beautiful cats are still misunderstood by some people and are evened poisoned.

Conservation

This road underpass was made for the Lynxs, so they don't get hit by cars

A Iberian Lynx with a radio collar

Domestic Rabbits are being introduced to feed the Lynx's that are suffering in the wild because of the decline of these Rabbits. There is a breeding program that is successful. So far 14 have been released back into the wild. The Lynx's that have been released back into the wild are being tracked and researched. Many have also been caught on camera traps. Underpasses have been made so Lynx's don't get run over. Many land owners are keeping their land responsibly for the Lynx's and other wildlife. Authorities also use specially trained sniffer dogs to get rid of poison bait and traps that would otherwise kill the Lynx's.

Some people say the the Iberian Lynx is the most monitored species ever.